The Single Most Important Part of the

Medical Manufacturing Production Process?

Especially When Considering the Extremely Detailed and Highly Precise World of Medical Device Manufacturing.

How does a medical device manufacturing company receive the information to make valid decisions regarding how to ultimately manufacture any detailed medical device part?

And, before considering the actual process of medical manufacturing, that manufacturer must maintain a quality-efficiency compliant with stringent ISO standards; they must take into consideration the budget requirements, the delivery schedules and every step of the manufacturing process in order to perform the all-important “Design for Manufacturability” studies.

For some, this “up-front work” just to get a part set-up correctly, in the initial phases of the production process, can be a challenging task.

That’s why, in any “best practices” manufacturing arena, to set-up and integrate a dedicated department which is solely responsible for taking a drawing and creating something that can be measured (for all the above requirements) is absolutely essential.

Welcome to Prototyping at C-Axis

Prototyping has changed dramatically over recent years. Staying on the cutting-edge has made C-Axis a leader by utilizing strict prototyping standards; it has continued to maintain itself as an integral part of a continuing success-track for the company, to the benefit of every one of our medical device customers.

Within the prototyping stage, we are basically measuring everything and that does not only concern the actual size of any part!

We are measuring for compliance regarding how the part will be used, does it fit the desired requirements set by the customer, are there better ways to conduct the process not only to improve the part’s integrity, but to save time in the process to meet or exceed delivery deadlines, which can ultimately save cost.

Might there be a better material choice to use over what may have been initially specked; and a thorough, solid, deep analysis of the basic ingredients for design effectiveness.

Most everything and anything imaginable are questioned in the prototyping phase.

By the time the prototype becomes the model for how the final parts will be produced, it’s proven worth is beyond measure.

Without having those first parts to scrutinize, not much can be determined in order to solve any issue or potential problem – up-front; as one major goal of the prototype-process is to help eliminate surprises down the road. Prototyping can do that.

Having some of the best product designer’s on-staff also helps, along with cutting-edge CAD/CAM software to assist in uncovering optional production variables, potential problems and barriers. It is all a part of a truly defined and diverse prototyping department within a forward-thinking, medical device contract manufacturer.

Thanks for visiting the C-Axis Web Blog. Watch for another Blog Installment next month, the subject will be all about our incredible medical device production facility in Puerto Rico. “Te veo el mes que viene!”

Without any doubt, in order to stay as current as possible and to remain at the top of the game, any Medical Device Manufacturing Partner must consistently look at the internal functionality of their facilities.

We must analyze each work station for maximum reliability and capability, and then draw conclusions to expand, delete, enhance or blend manufacturing abilities. This must be done to gain the greatest return for customer investment, confirmation of their particular needs and requirements, and in some cases, to make sure we have the better chance at saying ‘YES WE CAN DO THAT’ when customers present C-Axis with their many technical drawings, ideas and often multiple iterations within their own development process.

In the medical device manufacturing field, this has become increasingly evident as we are confronted with incredibly intricate detailing. The fine-details, including extremely tight tolerances, the juxtaposition of holes, slots and grooves, the various metals to allow for maximum end-user success and the exactness of what has become known as ‘true precision’ is becoming more and more commonplace.

Therefore, it is with great pride we present #3 in our exclusive C-Axis Enhanced Technology Series.

As many of you know who read these Blog Entries regularly, the Enhanced Technology Series is meant to give readers a greater understanding of what we can do, but often the reasons why these additions or enhancements were made.

Rest assured, a lot of thought goes into each acquisition.

Most technology that exists today is not cheap. But, in the final analysis, most all decisions are made to gain greater, more effective and efficient capability for our valued Medical Device OEM customer and ultimately providing the means to help them save lives.

So, we have 3 technological enhancements to share with you today. All are housed in our Minneapolis facility (our 2nd facility is located in Puerto Rico).

ATTENTION TO PROCESS EFFICIENCY:

A short time ago, we decided to add a particularly robust machining capability by installing the 12mm Multi-Axis Swiss-type Automatic Lathe. This is a machining marvel in terms of what it can do, especially when operated by the manufacturing experts at C-Axis.

The new Swiss optimizes complex machining of small diameter, difficult to cut materials while using a multi-axis controller for high-speed complex machining.

The high output spindle outputs extreme efficiency. The C-axis control combines the main and sub-spindles with applications of various tool units enabling secondary machining in vast array of combinations.

* The Swiss can drill extremely small holes by mounting a high-speed rotary tool with drilling speeds up to 12,000 revolutions.

* Faster machining, versatile tooling, precise, powerful machining

* 2-axis controlled gang tool post can be fitted with several turning tools and power-driven attachments

ENHANCING PRECISION AND TECHNOLOGY:

We saved the best for last; a few weeks ago, we received our brand new Mitsubishi WIRE EDM Station.

As a reminder, Wire EDMis a CNC machining process whereby an electrified, very thin wire is submerged in water and is surrounded by a ring of current allowing for the smallest and most precise multi-axis cutting paths. The process is extremely attractive inside medical device manufacturing.

Our new MD+Pro III utilizes a completely new non-contact, friction-free round linear shaft motor system to drive the X & Y machine axes through an all optical fiber servo system.

The MD+PRO III is a revolution in Wire EDM technology and was specifically created for optimum performance inside advanced medical device manufacturing facilities.

It is with these types of innovative enhancements in manufacturing technology that provides C-Axis greater ways to reach more specific goals and requirements of our valued customers.

The objective is to always say “YES” when any customer asks, “Can you do that?”

Not only can we do that, we can do it on-time, on-budget and often at greater ranges and tolerances of precision; due, in large part, to our consistently growing manufacturing technology.

Transparency within the Medical Device Community

We at C-Axis wanted to set the record straight regarding our usage of the word, transparency. It’s important. So much so, that it has greatly assisted us in our growth within the medical device manufacturing community.

Transparency has become a hot-word over the past few years. The one thing wrong with the word may reside in the fact it can often mean different “levels” of transparency to different people and companies.

This is true both within a company’s internal structure and when sharing information with customers. That is true, because our customers have told us, not because it’s what we think.

Transparency to us is automatically coupled with two other areas of importance: honesty, and openness. This means, if we have an answer to a question, it will be our best answer, and never a guess.

C-Axis does not guess, or make-up an answer to appease, our communication will be given freely, without reservation with honest content.

We have come to understand that “communication” can only be truly achieved when both parties involved confirm exactly what the other is stating.

To experience full communication, especially within the world of medical device contract manufacturing, our interaction may contain confirming questions and answers which eventually lead to the level of synergy required. That is the consistent goal, and we are good at achieving it.

Truthfulness is also a current buzz-term, especially when considering the use of “alternative facts”.

At C-Axis, there are no “alternative facts”, only real, honest, truthful and transparent facts. That is how we talk with each other, and that is how we share with our customers. It works best.

When information that is shared, is information to be believed, planned-upon, given the highest credibility and is always found to be correct, only then can we claim we’ve provided full-service to our customers.

We have found, when considering precision manufacturing, especially for the medical device community, it’s actually quite easy to be very accurate with our answers and communication both internally and with every customer. This is a business born from exactness, where the smallest of detail overlooked will reveal itself quickly.

Having the proper quality initiatives in-place, tested and in-tact vastly assists us in achieving this level of communication integrity.

Find out why your medical device or part design and production-methodology could be in better hands by calling C-Axis for a thorough, honest and transparent review.